Director of Logistics & Planning

M-D Building Products•Gainesville, GA

About The Position

The Director of Logistics and Planning provides strategic and operational leadership for the facility's logistics, receiving, shipping, inventory flow, and production planning functions. This position ensures the efficient movement of materials and finished goods throughout the manufacturing operation while achieving objectives related to safety, customer service, inventory accuracy, cost, quality, and operational performance. The Director leads and develops the Shipping, Receiving, and Production Planning teams and works cross-functionally with Production, Purchasing, Quality, Sales, Customer Service, Finance, and other business partners to align material availability, production capacity, inventory levels, and customer demand. This role leverages data, business systems, and Lean methodologies to optimize material flow, strengthen operational processes, improve service levels, and support overall plant performance.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field preferred. An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
Five (5) or more years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing, logistics, production planning, supply chain, warehouse operations, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience leading teams within a manufacturing or distribution environment.
Experience with production planning, material requirements planning, inventory management, shipping, receiving, and/or logistics operations.
Experience utilizing ERP/MRP systems required; Oracle experience strongly preferred.
Demonstrated experience leading or supporting Lean and continuous improvement initiatives.
Experience establishing, monitoring, and improving operational KPIs.
Strong leadership, coaching, employee development, and performance-management skills.
Strong understanding of logistics, production planning, inventory management, shipping, receiving, and manufacturing operations.
Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems, production scheduling, material planning, and inventory-control principles.
Strong analytical and business acumen with the ability to interpret operational data and translate findings into actionable business decisions.
Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
Ability to lead Kaizen events, Value Stream Mapping, PFEP, Visual Management, root-cause analysis, and other process-improvement activities.
Ability to evaluate capacity, material requirements, inventory positions, and customer demand to support effective planning decisions.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Strong organizational and strategic-planning capabilities with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities.
Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
Ability to effectively communicate operational performance, risks, and recommendations to frontline employees, cross-functional partners, and senior leadership.
Strong relationship-building and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Knowledge of transportation, carrier management, freight documentation, warehouse operations, and material-handling practices.
Ability to effectively lead through changing priorities and operational disruptions.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Lean tools such as PFEP, Kaizen, Visual Management, and Value Stream Mapping preferred.
Prior experience in a Business Systems Analyst or similar role supporting manufacturing or supply chain operations may be considered relevant when combined with demonstrated operational leadership experience.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership and direction for the facility's Shipping, Receiving, and Production Planning functions, ensuring alignment with plant and organizational goals.
Lead, develop, and engage team members while fostering a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Oversee inbound and outbound logistics to ensure efficient material flow and accurate, on-time customer shipments.
Direct production planning and scheduling to effectively balance customer demand, production capacity, material availability, and inventory objectives.
Partner with Purchasing, Production, Quality, Sales, and other functions to proactively address material shortages, capacity constraints, customer needs, and operational challenges.
Drive inventory accuracy and optimization, including appropriate stocking strategies and Plan for Every Part (PFEP) management.
Manage transportation and freight activities with a focus on service, cost, compliance, and customer requirements.
Establish and monitor key performance indicators related to safety, customer service, schedule attainment, inventory, freight, and overall operational performance.
Utilize Oracle and operational data to identify trends, improve decision-making, and drive process improvements.
Lead Lean and continuous improvement initiatives to improve material flow, reduce waste, optimize inventory, and increase operational efficiency.
Develop team capabilities through coaching, cross-training, performance management, and succession planning.
Ensure logistics and planning activities comply with applicable company safety, quality, operational, and regulatory requirements.
Perform additional duties and lead special projects as assigned.

Benefits

Medical
Dental
Vision
On-Site Clinic
Voluntary Life Insurance
Lab Card Program
Group Term Life & AD&D
Flexible Spending Accounts
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
401(K) with Company Match
Paid Time Off
Tuition Reimbursement
Education & Development
Mental Wellness (Employee Assistance Program)
Voluntary Benefits including Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity Insurance